Ministry launches summer public schools program

The Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth (MESY) has officially announced the commencement of the "Summer Public Schools (SPS) Program" today, marking the beginning of a five-week initiative that will run until July 28, 2023. This innovative program offers learning and creative employment opportunities, particularly to children from vulnerable groups, ensuring their continued growth and development during the summer months.

Responding to the needs of society, the Ministry of Education and Culture has expanded the Summer Public Schools Programme across the country. A total of 58 schools, including 37 Primary Schools and 21 Kindergartens, will serve as Summer Public Schools, accommodating 5,100 children across all five provinces of Cyprus. The program's operating hours are scheduled from 7:45 AM to 1:05 PM, with some schools extending their hours until 4:00 PM for parents or guardians who have made prior arrangements.

One of the key features of the Summer Public Schools Programme is that it is offered to all children free of charge. Parents or guardians are only required to contribute financially to cover the cost of providing meals for children attending the afternoon session.

Building on its success from previous years, the program will continue to include Greek language learning classes for children with immigrant backgrounds. To ensure the effective implementation of this language learning initiative, 31 teachers will be employed specifically for this purpose.

In addition to the regular Summer Public Schools, two Special Schools will operate on a pilot basis during the same period. These schools will offer specialized education and support for students with unique needs, catering to their individual requirements. The operating hours for these schools will be from 7:45 AM to 1:05 PM.

To guarantee a high standard of education and support, 604 primary, pre-primary, and special education teachers will be employed across the Summer Public Schools and Special Schools. Furthermore, 49 special education teachers, along with a number of school assistants, will be appointed to address the specific needs of children with special educational requirements.

The "Summer Public Schools Programme" is a testament to the government's commitment to providing inclusive and comprehensive education to all children, regardless of their socio-economic background or individual needs. By offering diverse educational activities and creative employment opportunities, Cyprus aims to foster a nurturing and supportive environment for children during the summer break, empowering them with knowledge and skills for a brighter future.

[With information sourced from PIO Office]